Investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the cause of a house fire in Salisbury that claimed the lives of two people early Friday morning, Sept. 5.
At around 2:10 a.m., the Salisbury Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to 1315 Middleneck Drive after a neighbor called 911 to report a house fire. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire throughout a two-story, single-family home.
Crews entered the residence, located two adult victims, and brought them to EMS, where CPR was started. The victims were transported by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and later pronounced dead.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will confirm the victims’ identities; however, investigators have preliminarily identified them as the 85-year-old husband and his 79-year-old wife, the homeowners.
Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in the living room, but the exact cause remains under investigation. While no evidence of arson was found, investigators are focusing on possible accidental causes, including an overloaded electrical surge protector. Investigators also reported that no smoke alarms were located in the home.
“Our hearts break for the victims and their families,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “This tragedy is a devastating reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms and practicing fire safety. Please check your smoke alarms, create an escape plan, and practice it regularly. If a fire breaks out – get out and stay out.”
This double fatal fire follows another tragedy less than five miles away in Parsonsburg last Friday, where an 11-year-old boy lost his life in a house fire.
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A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction is standard procedure for all fatal fires.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal urges all Marylanders to have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes and inside sleeping areas. To learn more about smoke alarm safety or to request a smoke alarm for your home, visit: Get Alarmed Maryland.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Elderly husband and wife die in major Salisbury house fire
